Family Weekend

A family of four poses for a photo on Homewood campus while wearing Johns Hopkins t-shirts

Looking for a place to stay? See our list of recommend area hotels.

Family Weekend is an opportunity for families to visit with their student and get a taste of their new home away from home.

The schedule of events for the weekend is designed for families to pick and choose which events to attend throughout the weekend. You are not expected to attend every event; please plan your weekend according to your student’s schedule and interests and only register for events that fit for your family.

Registration for most events is available through the Blue Jay Family Connection portal. Select events will be ticketed through Hopkins Groups, JHU’s student event platform; registration links are included on the schedule below. If you have questions about the registration process, please contact [email protected].

Events for which registration is required are indicated in red on the schedule below.

2025 Schedule

Friday, September 26

Family Check In – 12-4 p.m. Bloomberg Student Center, N. Charles Street & 33rd Street Entrance

Please check in for Family Weekend and let us know you have arrived! Staff will be available to answer any questions you have about the schedule and programming. Families only need to check in one time. The first 400 families to register receive a free gift.

Family Resource Fair –12-4 p.m., Bloomberg Student Center, MPR 210

Campus resources will be on site to share how they support your students and answer any questions.

Self Guided Walking Tour of Off-Campus Residential Commercial Buildings – 12–5 p.m.

Families can pick up an area map and list of commercial residential properties near campus for a self-guided walking tour at their own pace. Select commercial residential properties will be open 12 – 5 p.m. and between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday. Maps are available at the Family Welcome Tent on Freshman Quad or from the Off-Campus Housing Office in McCoy Hall.

Historical Homewood Walking Tour – 1-3:30 p.m.

Do you know your Homewood history? Why do many buildings on campus bear a resemblance of the Homewood Museum, and how does the Carroll family fit into the story? Join us for a tour of Homewood Campus, led by Allison Seyler, archivist in the Sheridan Libraries. Note: tour will be canceled in event of rain.

Imagine Center for Integrative Learning Center Tours – 1-3:30 p.m.

Registration required

The Imagine Center serves as the home of seven departments: Life Design Lab, Hopkins Office of Undergraduate Research, Global Education Office, University Experiential Learning, Hopkins Connect, Hire Hopkins, and PHutures. Tours will be given on the half hour with the last tour starting at 3:30 p.m. Stop by to get a glimpse into the wonderful services being offered to our students and alumni from this location. More information about the Imagine Center can be found on their website.

Bloomberg Student Center Tours – 1 p.m, 2 p.m, and 3 p.m.

The Bloomberg Student Center is designed to be a welcoming environment for all Hopkins students. This spectacular facility hosts student resource centers, support services, exciting new dining facilities, and flexible meeting rooms for the university’s more than 400 student organizations. 148 years in the making, please join us for a 45-minute tour of the facility creating what students have advocated for: a place of their own. Tours are first come, first served, and start from the 2nd floor at 1, 2, and 3 p.m.

Housing information Session for First-Year Families – 1–2 p.m., Location TBD

Community Living staff will share a formal presentation about the process of finding housing for sophomore and junior years.

Family-Friendly Drop-in Craft Activity – 12–4 p.m., Bloomberg Student Center MPR 204A

More details to be announced.

Family-Friendly Drop-in Craft Activity – 12–4 p.m., Bloomberg Student Center 403

More details to be announced.

Cooking Demonstration with 1876 Distinction – 2-3:30 p.m., Levering Hall

Registration required

Join Chef Pedro Duarte and Catering Director Virginia Lane with 1876 Distinction, JHU’s on-campus caterer, as they demonstrate how to make a tasty avocado snack. Face off against fellow attendees in a challenge to see who can make a better reconstructed avocado based on taste, assembly, and garnish. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds will go to the Hopkins Food Pantry, which assists JHU students with food insecurities.

Blue Jay Family Reception – 6– 8 p.m. Levering Hall Glass Pavilion

Registration required

Please join us for a reception welcoming families to campus; more details to come.

Evening of Magic & Illusion – 7–8 p.m. Shriver Hall

Registration required

Take a break from the mundane and join us for a completely immersive, interactive, hilarious adventure that will leave you both laughing and mystified. In this show, every guest becomes a part of the action. Audience members of all ages join forces to make memories and magic, even in their own hands! Join comedy magician and Baltimore entertainment staple Spencer Horsman for an unexpected journey through sleight of hand, classic magic, mentalism, and even a bit of danger. Register online in Hopkins Groups.

Note: While all ages are welcome, content is primarily suited for ages 13 and up.

Witness Theater – 8-10 p.m. Bloomberg Student Center Theater (105)

Registration required

A medley of student written and student produced works. Register online in Hopkins Groups.

Saturday, September 27

Family Check In – 8 a.m.–12 p.m. Bloomberg Student Center, N. Charles Street & 33rd Street Entrance

Please check in for Family Weekend and let us know you have arrived. Staff will be available to answer any questions you have about the schedule and programming. Families only need to check in one time. The first 400 families that have registered receive a free gift.

Family Meditation – 8:15-8:45 a.m. Bloomberg Student Center, 210

Join us for a family-friendly meditation session. Meditation can bring a sense of peace, relaxation, positive energy to face the day feeling hopeful, grateful and energized.

President’s Welcome – 9–10 a.m. Location TBA

Registration required

President Daniels joins university leaders in a welcome address to Blue Jay families, sharing more about the undergraduate student experience on campus and the major developments underway at Hopkins. We will preserve time for Q&A from audience participants in the room. Seating is limited, and available on a first-come, first-serve basis with registration.

Note: Location will be confirmed one day prior to the event date. Continental breakfast will be served from 8:30–11 a.m. This event will be livestreamed for who cannot attend.

Off-Campus Housing Second Year Family Information Session – 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Bloomberg Student Center, 204B

Registration required; limited to three tickets per second-year family.

Please note: this session is limited to second-year families only. Formal information sessions will be offered to give an overview of the off-campus housing process and area commercial residential properties. Following the session, families will be provided an area map and list of commercial residential properties near campus for a self-guided walking tour at their own pace. Select commercial residential properties will be open between 10-4pm on Saturday. Registration is required and will be limited to three tickets per second year family.

Self Guided Walking Tour of Off-Campus Residential Commercial Buildings – 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Families can pick up an area map and list of commercial residential properties near campus for a self-guided walking tour at their own pace. Select commercial residential properties will be open between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday. Maps are available at the Family Welcome Tent on Freshman Quad or from the Off-Campus Housing Office in McCoy Hall.

Homewood Historical Walking Tour – 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Meet between the MSE Library and the Homewood Museum

Do you know your Homewood history? Why do many buildings on campus bear a resemblance to the Homewood Museum, and how does the Carroll family fit into the story? Join us for a tour of Homewood Campus, led by Jim Stimpert and Monica Kristin Blair, both are archivists in the Sheridan Libraries. Note: tour will be canceled in event of rain.

FLI Family Mix and Mingle – 10:30-11:30 a.m. Levering Hall Glass Pavilion

This event is designated for our FLI (First Generation Limited Income) Families only, as an opportunity to meet student success coaches, connect with other FLI families, and learn about programs and services from the Center for Student Success. Light refreshments will be served and there will be a designated play area for younger siblings.

Family Friendly Yoga – 10:30-11:30 a.m. Bloomberg Student Center, 210

Registration required

Yin Yoga is a quiet and contemplative practice great for all skill levels. Our instructor will lead this slow-paced session to get your body moving. This event is limited to the first 50 participants.

Blue Jay Picnic – 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Ralph S. O’Connor Center for Recreation & Well-Being

Registration required

Please join us for a Blue Jay picnic lunch sponsored by the Offices of Family Engagement, Athletics, and Reunion & Homecoming.

A Cappella Showcase – 1-2:30 p.m. Shriver Hall

Registration required

Enjoy the artistry and spirit of Hopkins students in a special performance by our Homewood campus a cappella groups. From the newest pop hits to beloved classics, this eclectic celebration of song is a staple of Family Weekend that shouldn’t be missed! Tickets are $5 per guest and free for Hopkins students; register online via Hopkins Groups.

Phi Delta Theta Crab Feast – 3:30-6:30 p.m. Location TBA

Registration required

Join us for the ultimate Maryland experience at 2025 Crab Fest, Phi Delta Theta’s premier fall fundraiser event. Enjoy freshly steamed Maryland blue crab dishes, prepared in collaboration with local vendors, and savor the authentic taste of Baltimore. Join students, alumni, and families in this incredible opportunity to indulge in a Maryland staple while contributing to a great cause.

This event supports Live Like Lou, empowering ALS patients, families, and researchers in the quest for a cure. Inspired by the legacy of Lou Gehrig, a Phi Delta Theta member and renowned baseball player who bravely battled ALS, the organization is committed to making a lasting impact on the ALS community.

Witness Theater – 8-10 p.m. Arellano Theater in Levering Hall

Registration required

A medley of student written and student produced works. Register online via Hopkins Groups.

Sunday, September 28

Paint with a Twist – 10-11:30 a.m. Levering Hall Glass Pavilion

Registration required

Are you ready to tap into your inner Picasso? Check out this fun, instructor-led painting event for the entire family. A continental breakfast will be served; the cost is $35 per person.

Homewood Chamber Music – 1–2 p.m. Interfaith Center

Registration required

Bring your 2025 Family Weekend to a close with a chamber music showcase by the Homewood Chamber Music Seminar! Register online via HopkinsGroups.

Witness Theater – 3–5 p.m. Bloomberg Student Center Theater 105

Registration required

A medley of student written and produced works. Register online via Hopkins Groups.